Building construction and block therefor



July 19, 1938.

Filed March 27, 1957 J. w. PHILLIPS BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND BLOCK THEREFOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 A RNEY.

July 19, 1938. J. w. PHILLIPS 2,124,430

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND BLOCK THEREFOR Filed March 27, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

INVENT OR.

AT'TO Y.

Patented July 19, 1938 PATENT OFFlCE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND BLOCK THEREFOR John w. Phillips, San Antonio, Tex. Application March 27, 1937, Serial 'No. 133,296

13 Claims. This invention relates to new and useful improvements in building construction and blocks therefor; 1

One object of the invention is to provide an 51:, improvedwall structure for buildings which is self sustaining and which is readily assembled.

An important object of the invention is to provideimproved blocks made of cementitious or ceramic material for use in constructing building walls and the like,-which blocks have means for interlocking with each other when assembled, and wherein the wall studding is formed by webs which are integral with the blocks, whereby a substantial and rigid wall construction is pro- 2; duced.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved block for building construction hav ing a vertical web-extending from the face there' of, said web extending beyond the edge of the block whereby it may overlap the adjacent block to reinforce and brace both blocks and the joint therebetween; said web also alining with the web of the second blocktherebelow-and the second block thereabove and being arranged to interlock with said 'webs whereby, a continuous vertical stud is formed throughout the superposed blocks to form a wall structure which has its studding substantially throughout its face.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved building construction formed of blocks of molded ce'mentitious or ceramic material, wherein the blocksmay be utilized to form two wall sections spaced from each otherby verticalstudding, the studs of each section engag- 3; ing the rear face of the opposite section and being located in alternate relation to the studs of said other section, whereby the two sections provide a hollow wall structure which may receive insulating or other suitable material.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved precast tile block forming a building wall or the like, and which is so constructed that the building wall composed of said blocks may have any desired number of corners or windows; said blocks also having means for securing wooden batten strips, metal lath or sheathing directly thereto.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with 50 other features of the invention. 1

The invention will be more readily understood from:a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and

55; wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a block, con-1 structed in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof,

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the rear thereof,

Figure 4 is an isometric view of one of the Outside corner blocks,

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a block to be employed at the inside corners of the wall and also for use at openings such as windows in the wall,

Figure 6 is a rear isometric view of a block for use against the foundation beam and also for use at lintels over doors and windows,

Figure 7 is an enlarged detail elevation ofthe interlocking construction between the webs of the blocks,

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a part of a wall constructed with the blocks,

Figure!) is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken through the wall along the line 9 -9 of Figure 8, 1

Figure 10 is a similar View, taken on the line Ill-40 of Figure 8,

Figure 11 is atransverse vertical, sectional view taken through a portion of the wall structure and showing wooden batten strips attached to the wall,

Figure 12 is a similar view, showing metal lath secured to said wall, and v Figure 13 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken through a hollow wall constructed of the blocks and showing the method of securing the wall sections together. I

In the drawings,the numeral l0 designates a block which is preferably constructed of con crete, although it may be made of any cemen titious or ceramic material. The block includes a slab I I having a substantially rectangular shape and the upper and side edges of the block are chamfered or beveled at I2 (Figure 3). The lower edge of the slab is inclined downwardly and directed forwardly as shown at l3 in Figure '7', whereby when two of the blocks are placed one upon the other in forming a wall, as will be explained, the inclined lower edge l3 of the upper slab rests on' the beveled upper edge ll! of the lower slab. Since a portion of the lower edge I3 is directed forwardly its inclined portion is shorter than the bevel l2 and therefore, a horizontal space or groove I4 is formed at the joint between the slabs. 1

Each slab has a vertical web or rib IS on its rear face and this slab is preferably formed integral with the slab. As before stated, the block is preferably constructed of concrete, in which case its web or rib is made of the same material. The web is disposed centrally of the slab and extends from the upper edge thereof to a point beyond the lower edge thereof. It is preferable that the length of the web be twice the width of the slab I i, whereby the projection of said web is equal to twice the width of said slab. With such arrangement, when the blocks are placed one upon the other, the web or rib of the uppermost block extends downwardly behind the next block therebelow, whereby said rib or web not only reinforces the slab with which it is made integral but also reinforces or braces the block immediately therebelow.

In constructing a wall of the blocks I9, said blocks are placed one upon the other in rows A, B, and C, as shown in Figure 8. The number of rows is, of course, dependent upon the height of the wall to be built. The slabs in the uppermost row shown have their ends or vertical edges engaging and due to the bevel I2 of these edges, an outside vertical groove I5 is formed therebetween. The blocks of the row A are staggered with relation to the blocks of the row 13, whereby the joint B between the slabs of the latter is located centrally beneath the slabs of the row A. This causes the web I5 of each block in the row A to extend downwardly behind one of the joints B of the row B, whereby said joints are reinforced, and braced. Since the length of each web is twice the width of the slab, it will be obvious that the lower end of each web depending from the blocks in the row A terminates opposite the horizontal grooves I4 at the joint between the row B and row C.

The blocks Iii in the lowermost row C are staggered with relation to the blocks in the row B thereabove, and are therefore, located in vertical alinement with the blocks in the row A, whereby the vertical joints 0' between these blocks are directly below the vertical joints A between the blocks in row A. This places the web I5 of each block in the bottom row C in vertical alinement with the web I5 of one of the blocks I I) in row A, whereby the ends of said webs engage each other. Since the blocks Ill in the lowermost row rest on the foundation, or other supporting structure (not shown), the web I5 ,of each of these blocks terminates at the lower edge of the slab I I thereof, as is clearly shown in Figure 6.

For securing the webs I5 of the blocks in row A to the web I5 of the blocks, the lower end of each web I5 is provided with a dowel or lug I6 (Figure 3) while the upper end of each web I5 is formed with a complementary recess or groove I I for receiving the same. The insertion of the lug in said recess provides an interlocking connection between said webs, whereby displacement of the webs from each other is prevented and the effect of a vertical continuous stud along the rear of the blocks is obtained. Each web I5 of the blocks in the row A has a recess or groove I8, similar to the recess H in the web I5, for the reception of the dowel or lug IIS on the web of the blocks thereabove (not shown). Thus, it will be seen that the webs of every other row of blocks are interlocked and form a vertical continuous stud which is substantially integral with the blocks and which reinforces the vertical joints of the blocks between such alternate rows.

The blocks I5 of the row B in Figure 8, are of the same structure as the blocks of the row A and have their webs I5 extending downwardly to overlap and reinforce the joints 0 between the blocks III in the row C. The lower ends of these webs of course, terminate in alinement with the lower end of the slabs II of said blocks Ill and rest on the foundation, or other supporting structure. It is pointed out that the lower ends of the webs I5 may have suitable recesses I9 for the reception of lugs (not shown) on the foundation wall, and the webs I5 of the blocks of the row B may be similarly formed. The upper end of each web of the blocks in the row B are provided with the recesses I8 to receive the lugs I6 of the webs of the row of blocks (not shown) which are placed on the row A. From the above, it is manifest that the slabs form the face of the wall, while the vertical interlocked webs form studs which extend throughout the height of the wall and which reinforce and brace the vertical and horizontal joints between the slabs of the blocks.

The blocks II! are not only adaptable for the lowermost supporting row C, but also are employed on the lintels over doors and windows. The shortened web I5 terminating an alinement with the lower edge of the slab II makes them adaptable for this purpose. The blocks III are, of course, utilized to form the wall proper with the exception of the corners and are all of the same construction.

For forming the outside corner of the wall, an angular block 20 (Figure 4) is provided. This block includes an angular slab wherein one section 2I is disposed at substantially a right angle to the other section 22, with the sections being integral. The section 2I is longer than the section 22 and has a web or rib 23 which is made exactly as the web I8 of the block III on its rear face. The block 20 is mounted in the row A between blocks ll! of that row and, as clearly shown in Figure 8, forms the outside corner of the wall. A similar block 20 is mounted below the block 20 in the row B and has its section 2I shorter than its other section 22. The rib or web on the rear face of this block is on the enlarged section 22. The structure of the block 20 is varied to fit the corner in view of the staggered mounting of the blocks in the row B. Manifestly, the corner blocks 20 and 20 are located in alternate rows throughout the height of the wall.

For forming the inside corners of the wall, a block 25 (Figure 5) is provided. This block includes a slab 26 which is one half the length of the slab I I of the blocks II). A vertical web or rib 21 constructed exactly as the rib I8 on each block III is located at one end of the slab instead of centrally thereof. The blocks 25 are used in making inside corners and also for the sides of windows, doors, or other openings where it is desired that the wall terminate in a vertical straight line. The use of these blocks is clearly shown in Figure 8, where one of said blocks is mounted in the row A. The web 21 of this block abuts the face of the next block Illa which is disposed at substantially a right angle to the blocks II) of that row whereby a corner is formed. The outer vertical edges of the slab and web of the block 25 terminate short of the-vertical edge of the block IOb in the row B therebelow, whereby the block IIJa of the row A rests on the extended end of the block Iflb directly below the block 25. A second block 25 is located in the row B below the block Ifla. and abuts the face of the block IIIb, while a third block 25b is located in the row C and abuts the block I00 in that row. The blocks 25 are of course, used in this manner in alternate rows throughout the height of the wall and their use provides for an overlapping of the ends of the cornertblocks' lllin alternate rowswhich make for a substantial Wall structure. The Webs 27 of the blocks 25 interlock With'each other exactly asthe webs I .of the blockslll;

From the above, it is manifest that a building wall; of a most substantial construction may be built. The beveled edges, of the slabs of. the blocks-form vertical andshorizontal grooves atxthe joints. of the slabs,- whereby stucco,-plaster or the like may be keyedto the face of the wall. The vertical studs formed by the interlockedswebs reinforce and brace .the'structure. The webs are provided with openings 28 whereby steel rods 29 may extend therethrough to secure the blocks together and further brace the construction.

The studs not only reinforce the wall but also permit wood batten strips 30' to be secured to the inside of the wall (Figure 11). The strips are fastened to the studs by Wire loops 3| which pass through the openings 28 in the studs. Similarly, metal lath 32 (Figure 12) may befastened to the stud, if desired, by said loops. Plaster or other material 33 may then be applied to the lath.

Although it has been found'that a substantial Wall may be formed as shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, it is possible to make a hollow wall structure with the blocks. This construction is shown in Figure 13, where two sections D and E, each like the wall in Figure 8, are built up and placed with their inner faces toward each other. The studs of each section are deposed in alternate relation to each other and the steel rods 29 pass through the openings to secure the sections together. The space between the sections may be filled with concrete or it may be filled with a suitable insulating material. All of the structural advantages of the first form are present in this construction.

The slab and web of each block are preferably integral and therefore may be pre-cast to any shape-for special places, such as angles in the wall, sills, ends, doors, etc. The block, being constructed of tile, is light in weight and easy to handle which makes for ease in building the structure. The interlocking of the webs makes the studs substantially integral with the face of the wall.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A Wall structure including, a plurality of superposed blocks, each block having a web on one face thereof which extends downwardly throughout the width of the block therebelow to reinforce the same.

2. A wall structure including, a plurality of blocks mounted one above the other in horizontal rows, the blocks of alternate rows being staggered with relation to each other, and a Vertical web on one face of each block extending downwardly therefrom so as to overlie the vertical joint between the blocks immediately therebelow.

3. A wall structure including, a. plurality of blocks mounted one above the other in horizontal rows, the blocks of alternate rows being staggered with relation to each other, and an integral web on one face of each block and depending beyond the lower end of said block and extending throughout the width of the block therebelow so as to reinforce the same.

4. A wall structure including, a plurality of blocks mounted one above the other inhorizontal rows, the blocks of alternate rows being stagmeans for interlocking-thewebs of the'blocks in alternate rows, whereby said interlocked webs,

form vertical studs throughout the wall structure. I Y

- 5. A wall structureincluding, a plurality of blocks mounted one above the other in horizontal rows, .the blocks of alternate rows being staggered with relation to each other, a vertical web on one face of each block extending downwardly therefrom so as to-overlieithe vertical. joint between the blocks immediately therebelow, and angular corner blocks each having avertical web similar to the webs of the first named blocks, the web of each corner block extending downwardly to overlie the next corner block therebelow whereby outside corners may be formed in the wall.

6. A wall structureincluding, a plurality of blocks mounted one above the other in horizontal rows, the blocks of alternate rows being staggered with relation to each other, a vertical web on one face of each block extending downwardly therefrom so as to overlie the vertical joint between the blocks immediately therebelow, angular corner blocks each having a vertical web similar to the webs of the first named blocks, the web of each corner block extending downwardly to overlie the next corner block therebelow whereby outside corners may be formed in the wall, and inside corner blocks for forming an inside corner in the wall, each of the latter blocks having a length substantially one half the length of the first named blocks and each having a web for overlying the block therebelow.

7. A wall structure including, a plurality of blocks mounted one above the other in horizontal rows, theblocks of alternate rows being staggered with relation to each other, a vertical web on one face of each block extending downwardly therefrom so as to overlie the vertical joint be-' tween the blocks immediately therebelow, means for interlocking the webs of'the blocksin alternate rows, whereby said interlocked webs form vertical studs throughout the wall structure, and means for mounting lathing on said studs.

8. A wall structure including, a plurality of blocks mounted one above the other in horizontal rows, the blocks of alternate rows being staggered with relation to each other, a vertical web on one face of each block extending downwardly therefrom so as to overlie the vertical joint between the blocks immediately therebelow, means for interlocking the webs of the blocks in alternate rows, whereby said interlocked webs form vertical studs throughout the wall structure, and angular corner blocks each having a vertical web similar to the Webs of the first named blocks, the web of each corner block extending downwardly to overlie the next corner block therebelow whereby outside corners may be formed in the wall.

9. A building construction including, a slab block having an integral web formed on one face thereof and projecting beyond the edge of said slab, said projecting portion of the web being substantially equal to the width of the slab.

10. A building block including, a slab having a substantially rectangular shape, and an integral web formed at the central portion of one face of said slab and having a length substantially equal to twice the width of the slab, whereby said web extends throughout the width of the slab and projects substantially the same distance from one edge thereof.

11. A building block including, a slab having a substantially rectangular shape, an integral web formed at the central portion of one face of said slab and having a length substantially equal to twice the width of the slab whereby said web extends throughout the width of the slab and projects substantially the same distance from one edge thereof, said Web having a recess at its upper end, and a lug made integral with its lower end;

12. A building block including, an angular slab having its sections deposed at substantially a right angle to each other, one of said sections web being substantially equal to the width of 10 the slab.

JOHN W. PHILLIPS. 

